Mourners line up for Baltimore man who died in police custody

(Reuters) -- Mourners lined up on Monday before the funeral of a Baltimore black man who died in police custody, a death that has led to protests in the latest outcry over U.S. law enforcement's treatment of minorities.

The long line stretched out of the front door of the New Shiloh Baptist Church for the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. Police say he died of a neck injury on April 19 after being arrested on April 12.

41PHOTOS

Mourning Freddie Gray

See Gallery

Mourners line up for Baltimore man who died in police custody

The casket with the body of Freddie Gray is taken from a hearse at New Shiloh Baptist Church prior to the start of his funeral service, April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Mourners arrive at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services for the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Mourners arrive at New Shiloh Baptist Church for the funeral service for Freddie Gray, April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Mourners embrace as they wait in line outside Vaughn Greene Funeral Services for the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Funeral home employees move Freddie Gray's casket into place inside the New Shiloh Baptist Church before his funeral service April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A sign outside New Shiloh Baptist Church displays a message about the death of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Mourners line up as they enter Vaughn Greene Funeral Services for the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Family members of Freddie Gray arrive at New Shiloh Baptist Church for the funeral service, April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Rev. Jesse Jackson (2nd R) speaks to the media upon arriving at New Shiloh Baptist Church for the funeral service for Freddie Gray, April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A man arrives for the funeral of Freddie Grey at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Family and friends are expected Monday at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Brendan Smialowski via AFP/Getty Images)

Mourners view the body of Freddie Gray before his funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church, Monday, April 27, 2015, in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Mourners comfort one another during Freddie Gray's funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Mourners help a woman who collapsed during the funeral for Freddie Gray at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) (2nd R) embraces members of Freddie Gray's family during his funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 26: Mourners line up as they enter Vaughn Greene Funeral Services for the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 26: Mourners stand outside of Vaughn Greene Funeral Services during the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 26: Mourners wait in line to enter Vaughn Greene Funeral Services for the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to the media upon arriving at New Shiloh Baptist Church for the funeral service for Freddie Gray, April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Mourners line up to pay their respects to Freddie Gray during his funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

People embrace while waiting for Freddie Gray's funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mourners gathered in large numbers at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

A man wears a pin with Freddie Gray's photo during his funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mourners gathered in large numbers at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Brendan Smialowski via AFP/Getty Images)

Mourners line up to pay their respects to Freddie Gray during his funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Mourners wait for the start of the funeral for Freddie Gray at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Family members and friends are expected to turn out in large numbers Monday at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Brendan Smialowski via AFP/Getty Images)

Freddie Gray's twin sister Fredericka Gray is embraced by family and supporters during her brother's funeral the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Mourners pay their respects at the casket of Freddie Gray before his funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Family members and friends are expected to turn out in large numbers Monday at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Brendan Smialowski via AFP/Getty Images)

A man walks past New Shiloh Baptist Church, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A driver on a motorcycle acknowledges a protestor on York Road near Vaughn Greene Funeral Services during the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Baltimore residents Dominick Williams (L) and Ricardo Flood encourage passing cars to honk while standing in the middle of York Road near Vaughn Greene Funeral Services during the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Protestors encourage passing cars to honk while standing in the middle of York Road near Vaughn Greene Funeral Services during the wake of Freddie Gray, April 26, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for Gray, who died last April 16, while in police custody, will be held the morning of April 27, at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A pillow sits inside Freddie Gray's casket before his funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church, Monday, April 27, 2015, in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) is hugged by Reverend Jesse Jackson(R) during Freddie Gray's funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mourners gathered in large numbers at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images)

Gloria Darden is embraced while waiting before her son Freddie Gray's funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mourners gathered in large numbers at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images)

A mourning family member of Freddie Gray is helped to her seat during his funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) speaks during Freddie Gray's funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mourners gathered in large numbers at the funeral of Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died April 19 after an encounter April 12 with police left him with grave spinal injuries. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Gloria Darden, mother of Freddie Gray, is comforted as she embraces his body before his funeral, Monday, April 27, 2015, at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Pallbearers carry the casket of Freddie Gray to the hearse after his funeral service at New Shiloh Baptist April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Freddie Gray's mother Gloria Darden (3rd L) and his stepfather Richard Shipley (2nd L) join other family members during Gray's funeral at the New Shiloh Baptist Church April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A young woman leaves a lipstick print after kssing Freddie Gray's casket before it is lowered into the ground at Woodlawn Cemetery April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Friends and relatives say their last goodbyes to Freddie Gray as his casket is lowered into his grave at the Woodland Cemetery April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Friends and relatives say their last goodbyes to Freddie Gray during his graveside service at the Woodland Cemetery April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore's west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Up Next

See Gallery

Discover More Like This

of

SEE ALL

BACK TO SLIDE

SHOW CAPTION
+

HIDE CAPTION
–

"I am here to show that Freddie's loss of life was not in vain," said Joe Jones, head of the Center for Urban Families, which provides aid to local residents.

"There's a lot of frustration, a lot of disappointment," he said. "This is a microcosm of things that are happening" to young black men across the United States.

Gray's body, clad in a white shirt, black tie and dark pants, lay in an open coffin at the head of the altar of the church, which holds 2,500 people.

A choir accompanied by a small instrumental group performed religious music before the funeral started.

President Barack Obama was sending Broderick Johnson, the head of his initiative for minority males, to attend Gray's funeral, the White House said.

Protests in the largely black city have been mostly peaceful, but vandalism and violence flared during a march on Saturday. Thirty-five people were arrested, six officers were hurt, and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and police blamed outside agitators for the unrest.

The protest was the latest expression of a national outcry over a white-dominated U.S. law enforcement establishment that civil rights leaders accuse of routinely mistreating black people.

Gray was arrested when he fled from police in a high-crime area. He was carrying a switchblade knife, and he was put inside a transport van to be taken to a police station.

At some point, Gray suffered the spinal injury that led to his death. City Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said on Friday that officers failed to give him timely medical attention while he was in custody and failed to seatbelt him.

Police have said they would conclude their investigation by Friday and forward the results to state prosecutors. Six police officers have been suspended, and the U.S. Justice Department is investigating the incident for possible civil rights violations.